Operating and capital costs for the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA), who operate fixed-route and ADA para-transit bus services in the greater Manchester area, are administered through the Transportation Improvement Program of the SNHPC. In addition, the SNHPC provides planning services to the MTA and conducts short and long-range transit planning activities as included in the Unified Planning Work Program.
Commuter Rail
The SNHPC, continuing its work to establish commuter rail service to the area, has participated, along with the Governor’s Office, the City of Manchester and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, in a Passenger Rail Task Force. The New Hampshire Rail Transit Authority, comprised of members from various municipalities and organizations within the State including the SNHPC, is also now addressing the significant hurdles remaining to the establishment of service. The Commission is active in a Manchester Commuter Rail Stakeholders group organized by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and is also participating in a Technical Advisory Committee that is overseeing work on an Investment Study for transit improvements related to the widening of the Interstate-93 corridor.
Feasibility of a Fixed Route Bus Service from Portsmouth to Manchester Airport
The SNHPC, in conjunction with the Rockingham Planning Commission (RPC), is finalizing a feasibility study for bus service between Portsmouth and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. The feasibility study is designed to identify and document the anticipated service needs and develop a service provision plan that will effectively and efficiently meet the transportation needs of the SNHPC and the RPC regions’ residents.
The methodology for the study includes a review of previously proposed services in the Portsmouth to Manchester corridor, as well as an estimate of demand. A model for the proposed service using the results of the earlier study tasks, including estimates of capital and operational costs and proposed routes and schedules. An Operator/Stakeholder Oversight Committee made up of private and public representatives has reviewed the study progress.
Feasibility of Creating a Regional Transit Authority
Changes in land development patterns within the SNHPC area have, over time, resulted in increased travel across municipal jurisdictions and the need to provide improved mobility on a regional scale. To recognize these changes and incorporate the input of a number of public and private stakeholders, including the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA), the SNHPC is conducting a feasibility study of expanding the MTA’s services to provide transit services on a regional scale.
The first phase of the SNHPC's Regional Transit Feasibility Study consists of a Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) of the MTA's existing fixed-route bus services. The COA was completed in late 2006 and service modifications were implemented in July 2007. The COA included a thorough review of the MTA system, including patronage by route, time of day and stop, transfers between routes and schedule performance.
Short Range Transit Plan for Manchester, NH FY 2004- FY 2008
This report was prepared for the Manchester Transit Authority in June 2003 by SNHPC. It documents the existing transit service, quality of existing service, public transportation needs, cost and revenue projections, and recommendations for future service.
